The shutdown of the federal government reaches all the way to Idyllwild. The U.S. Forest Service San Jacinto Ranger District office shut down Tuesday afternoon. Fire suppression and law enforcement services are exempt from the federal shutdown. Trails and some campgrounds remain open. Photo by J.P. Crumrine

On Wednesday, Dec. 14, a state hearing panel recommended parole for Thongxay Nilakout, the now 46-year-old man convicted of the murder of a German tourist near Idyllwild in 1994. The recommendation must still go to the full Board of Parole Hearings, who have up to 120 days for review. If it approves parole, Gov. Gavin…

Last week, Community Service Area 36 member Kathy Wilson released the results of the public-opinion survey about the future of Town Hall. Wilson and others solicited comments from local residents earlier this month, while seated outside the Post Office in Strawberry Creek Plaza. Of the 150 surveys completed, Wilson said 42 were willing to help…

The Idyllwild Fire Protection District Commission established a Finance Committee last week that includes two commissioners, Chief Patrick Reitz and two members of the Idyllwild community. The committee’s responsibility will be to assist the district in preparing and monitoring its budget, and making recommendations on financial issues. As a standing committee, its meetings and activities…